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Toe-tapping tunes to liven up any event!

This is a transcript of the article pictured above by Debbie Hall which featured in the Journal recently:

There is no sitting on the sidelines when Hessle Ceilidh Band strike up. The toe-tapping tunes have folk on their feet in seconds, with the feel-good strains of a fiddle or merry notes of a melodeon urging them on in a joyful selection of dances. “Our gigs are vibrant and fun –not for the faint of heart,” said Quentin Budworth, whose instrument of choice is the hurdy-gurdy. He also plays pipes, guitar and cajon (a type of drum).

When The Hessle Ceilidh Band strike up. The toe-tapping tunes have folk on their feet in seconds, with the feel-good strains of a fiddle or merry notes of a them on in a joyful selection of dances.“Our gigs are vibrant and fun –not for the faint of heart,” said Quentin Budworth, of choice is the hurdy-gurdy. He also plays pipes, guitar and cajon (a type of drum). Hessle Ceilidh Band are all about dazzling music, created by top-class musicians playing an unusual array of musical and percussion instruments. “Some of the instruments are quite old, but most have pick-ups in them so they can be amplified,” said Quentin. “We are all multi-instrumentalists, so we might be playing the highland pipes (they are great for the Gay Gordons) or the penny whistle, only they don’t cost a penny now –a pretty penny would be a better title.” The other members of the band, Pippa King (keyboard, whistle/recorder), Jill Fisher (fiddle) and Liz Wainwright (whistle/recorder, bagpipes) invariably turn their hand to any of the instrument-playing that’s required of the occasion, while dance caller Oli Norman prompts all the moves by the participants in the dances. He shouts each move and guides everyone through, with an occasional story or a funny joke to relate while the dancers have a rest and catch their breath.

The talented musicians also write their own tunes – “some of them are real crackers”, according to Quentin –as well as playing a host of established folk melodies. With sounds ranging from Scottish to Irish to European, with some medieval and traditional music of England thrown into the mix, Hessle Ceilidh Band like to think they can create the feel-good factor for any party.

“Whatever the event, be it a ceilidh or barn dance, we have a vast amount of music that will create the right atmosphere,”said Quentin, who lives in Bridlington. Describing himself as “a creative”, ‘We kind of know where we are going with the music as it begins to unfold’ Quentin, who is also a photographer, filmmaker and artist, said: “With a ceilidh, there is an element of upholding tradition about it. There is so much energy to it and it’s great fun for everyone who takes part. “Unlike a concert, where there is a set programme, we kind of know where we are going with the music as it unfolds, particularly with the dances we have been playing for a reasonable length of time. “We can fully explore the tunes and play around with the music and the rhythms.” Quentin said: “Most of the music we play is traditional, including some famous tunes, but we also play some rather obscure English tunes, some French tunes and even a Bavarian hand-clapping dance. “Everyone can take part as the dances are very straightforward with lots of repeated moves.”

Hessle Ceilidh Band first sprang into life around a former member’s kitchen table. “It was about 2008 and we were a group of folk musicians who met socially to play. It was suggested that we form a band. “We started to do some small charity functions for Water Aid, things like that. The response from the audiences was so great, we began to be asked to play at other events.”

These days, Hessle Ceilidh Band are kept busy most weekends, entertaining at weddings, parties and charitable events. “We are regular players at a fantastic event in October, the Apple Cider Festival, at Long Riston. Here, apples are pressed, juices are drunk, hogs are roasted and ceilidh dancing takes place in a medieval barn. “Last year, the event raised more than £3,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.” Quentin said: “The band are staunch upholders of folk arts and traditions, such as wassailing and morris dancing.”

The musicians organise a monthly Hull community ceilidh, billed as a “great night out and a fantastic Yo rkshire knees-up”. The event is for any age group or ability, those completely new to dancing or those already familiar with social dancing. It is no problem if you do not have a dancing partner, as everyone can join in and enjoy the dances. “We enjoy these nights,” said Quentin, “because it is putting something back into Hull. “The community ceilidhs started last September and they are getting a good response.” Quentin said: “One of the loveliest things for us is where you get a whole family together, kids and adults, all joining in. There is a real joy and a timelessness to it.”

To book the band ring Quentin on 07877434739, email hessleceilidhband@yahoo.co.uk .

Burns Night Public Ceilidh

What people say…

‘Just a quick note to thank you and the band for a fabulous afternoons entertainment on Sunday. Everyone said what a thoroughly great time they had’.

Christine

“They are a great band”
Norma Waterson/Carthy

“Just wanted to say a big thank you to Pip and the Band. We had a great night on Saturday 30th April at Hornsea Bowls Club. The Band was great and everyone said how good it was. Many many thanks, we hope we have a chance to book you all again in the future”

“Huge thank you for my 21st on the 23rd April, you did a great job getting my varied ages of guests up and dancing! Highly recommend you to anyone who is looking for a ceilidh band!”

“The array of instruments was fascinating and the music was brilliant…”

“We all had a great night and I have been asked many times where I found such a good ceilidh band.”

“Many thanks for making our Jubilee celebrations so enjoyable it was a fantastic evening of music and dance. Had some great feedback from people all asking “when can we do it again?”

“A super band who came highly recommended and one I will now happily recommend.”

“We have had lots of messages today from our guests to say how much they enjoyed the evening. Everyone is exhausted and taking today to recover!!!”

“Our sincere thanks to the Hessle Ceilidh Band for making our wedding celebrations all the more memorable. They were fantastic, what an amazing sound. They created an truly magical atmosphere…”

“…we would really urge anyone wanting great music and dancing for their special occasion to HIRE THIS BAND!”

“Please pass my thanks on to the band for a cracking night for my birthday. You all contributed greatly to making happy memories with a lovely atmosphere.”

“Just wanted to thank you all for the part you played in making our daughter’s wedding such a special day for us all.”

“The Burn’s Night evening went really well, thank you – I have had multiple texts and phone calls from people saying how much they enjoyed the night and they are looking forward to the next one.”

“Just a little note to say thank you all so much for last night everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Sorry if there was a lot of waiting around. Thank you for your patience.
Hope you would feel you can play for us again in the future!
Thank you ALL once again!”

“Many thanks to the Hessle Ceilidh Band for helping me and my family / friends celebrate my 30th birthday, my sisters 28th birthday and Richard and my engagement in style. The array of instruments was fascinating and the music was brilliant and so easy to dance to. Thanks to the callers energy and clear instructions, everyone was up and dancing every dance – the videos show everyone smiling and laughing and really having fun. There were a few who were worried about ceilidh dancing beforehand but by the end of the first dance all concerns were gone, mainly thanks to the friendly and infectious enthusiasm of the band … and the very helpful demonstrations!
We all had a great night and I have been asked many times where I found such a good ceilidh band, so I have been pointing them to your website.
Thanks again, and hopefully see you again soon.”
Alison, Lindsey, Jane, Graham, Richard and Mike from Lockington.